HOW TO AVOID AN ALLIGATOR ATTACK

• Alligators tend to feed mostly at dusk or during early evening. It is wise to avoid swimming in waters known to be inhabited by alligators at that time of day, particularly during summer months when alligators are most active.

• Since dogs and cats are the size of animals that alligators tend to favor as prey, people should not allow their pets in alligator-infested waters.

• Cleaning fish and discarding parts in the water is likely to attract alligators. Swimming or even dangling feet in the water where fish have been cleaned can be extremely dangerous.

• Alligators 6 feet or longer are the ones most likely to attack humans. The best thing a victim can do is fight the alligator, creating as much noise as possible. Usually the gator will flee after realizing it has made a mistake by attacking a large animal it cannot easily overpower.

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission